MailGuard has intercepted a new phishing scam impersonating MetaMask, designed to steal sensitive recovery phrases for cryptocurrency wallets. At the time of writing, MailGuard is the only known vendor blocking this specific attack — reinforcing the critical need for proactive, inline threat detection that operates ahead of other security layers.
Deceptively Simple. Seriously Dangerous.
The email is basic in presentation but deeply manipulative in execution. It claims to be from MetaMask support and includes a brief alert.
Here’s what it looks like:
Once recipients click the link, they are taken to a convincingly branded imitation of the MetaMask wallet interface — with a focus on collecting users' secret recovery phrases.
The phishing page allows users to choose between recovery phrase lengths (12, 15, 18, 21, or 24 words), mimicking genuine crypto wallet setup flows. This flexibility increases the credibility of the page across multiple blockchain platforms.
Phishing Infrastructure and Unusual Features
- The scam originates from a compromised or attacker-controlled cloud server.
- After entering a recovery phrase, the site redirects users to the real MetaMask website — a common trick used to reduce suspicion post-compromise.
- Notably, the phishing page includes an animated fox icon that follows the user’s cursor, enhancing its resemblance to the actual MetaMask site.
This type of multi-stage phishing reflects a broader evolution in credential theft: one that prioritizes behavioural mimicry, emotional triggers, and familiar UI cues — instead of malicious attachments or poor grammar.
What are the attackers after?
The goal of this phishing scam is to harvest recovery phrases for crypto wallets, effectively the digital keys to millions in user assets. These seed phrases can provide direct access to cryptocurrency accounts, bypassing MFA and password protections entirely.
Because these phrases are based on BIP (Bitcoin Improvement Proposal) standards, they are compatible with a wide range of wallets, meaning the stolen data has cross-platform resale value on the dark web.
This isn't just an attack on individuals. Businesses that use digital assets, blockchain-based authentication, or web3 integrations may be at risk if credentials are shared or stored without caution.
What makes this scam effective?
This scam is a clear example of how attackers are refining their phishing techniques with behavioural mimicry and trusted infrastructure. Here’s why it’s dangerous:
- Trusted Branding: Mimics Microsoft OneDrive user experience convincingly
- Credential Harvesting: Steals login details without malware
- False Legitimacy: Uses multiple failed attempts before redirecting to a real Microsoft page
- No Obvious Red Flags: Link leads to a functional file directory, no typos or poor formatting
These characteristics make the email and the phishing site look and feel familiar — which is exactly why they work.
Stay Safe - Know the Signs
MailGuard advises all recipients of these emails to delete them immediately without clicking on any links. Responding or providing personal details can lead to identity theft, data breaches, and financial losses.
Avoid emails that:
- Aren’t addressed to you personally.
- Are unexpected and urge immediate action.
- Contain poor grammar or miss crucial identifying details.
- Direct you to a suspicious URL that isn’t associated with the genuine company.
Many businesses turn to MailGuard after a near miss or incident. Don't wait until it's too late.
Reach out to our team for a confidential discussion by emailing expert@mailguard.com.au or calling 1300 30 44 30.
One Email Is All That It Takes
All that it takes to devastate your business is a cleverly worded email message that can steal sensitive user credentials or disrupt your business operations. If scammers can trick one person in your company into clicking on a malicious link or attachment, they can gain access to your data or inflict damage on your business.
For a few dollars per staff member per month, you can protect your business with MailGuard's specialist, 'zero zero-day' email security. Special Ops for when speed matters! Our real-time 'zero-zero-day', email threat detection amplifies our client’s intelligence, knowledge, security and defence. Talk to a solution consultant at MailGuard today about securing your company's inboxes.
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